Getting a kid started showing animals

[hillcountryhunter]

I raised lambs all through middle school and high school and can honestly say that it was some of the best times I ever had. We traveled to lots of progress shows, majors and the county show and always had fun along the way. I want my daughter to experience the same thing but unsure on how to start her off and at what age to try and get her exposed to it. I still have several years till I really have to worry about it but I just enjoy thinking about things like this.

Any thoughts, suggestions or experience is welcome.

[Bweger]

My kids started when they were in 3rd grade. I would start her off with rabbits. Not much expense unless you get real serious and easy to show. Then progress up to lambs or hogs or whatever trips her trigger if she gets bit by the showing bug. Just being in the show barn she should naturally drift toward the animals she wants to show. I have had some real special times in the show barns with my daughters. I sure miss those days

[Jethro]

My thought is start taking her around to the county show and whatnot while she is younger. Just let her see the animals and get comfortable around them, and expose her to the whole process. Don't try and force her into it but let her come around to it on her own, you will probably figure out pretty quick if it is for her.

I have a daughter that is 3, she showed her brothers pig in the peewee show last year, but she has always been around the animals since here older brothers show. Just let it come naturally to her.

[hillcountryhunter]

Thanks guys. The rabbit idea isn't a bad one. I don't really like small animals but that would be an easy way to get her into it and test the waters with dropping a lot of money. I know that if she does want to do it I am the kind of guy that likes to go all in so I don't want to build abunch of pens and what not for that first year without knowing how she will react. Luckily she will still have some uncles showing when she gets about 4 or 5 so maybe I can test the waters with their goats and see how she likes it.

[Hunterdan]

My daughters both started showing rabbits when they were 9 years old and then moved on to show Wethers,chickens, and hogs. Both girls are active in the local FFA as officers and as Area FFA officers. Make the show experience fun for them and they will be learn alot.

[Daddy Rabbit]

If you decide to show rabbits, I will be glad to help you get into them. I have raised rabbits all my life and still do. I show them all over the country. My breeds may not be the right fit for you but I surely get you on the right path to find someone and get some great quality show rabbits that will suit your situation if that is what you decide. Good luck to you.

[mossyhorn]

i have brahman calves for sale , come get you one

[TexasRednekChic]

I raised broilers from 3rd grade till high school....good way to earn college money and build character.....hope it goes well for yalls family

[hillcountryhunter]

I appreciate all the offers but we are still a few years away from purchasing any animals.

[fox1]

My thought is start taking her around to the county show and whatnot while she is younger. Just let her see the animals and get comfortable around them, and expose her to the whole process. Don't try and force her into it but let her come around to it on her own, you will probably figure out pretty quick if it is for her.

I have a daughter that is 3, she showed her brothers pig in the peewee show last year, but she has always been around the animals since here older brothers show. Just let it come naturally to her.

^^^ I think this is a good idea ^^^. Just getting her there and letting her take it all in while shes young. Im a big fan of FFA. Some of the best memories i have with my boys.

[hrdwrkncwby76]

I did the same with lambs and my sister and I were both started when we were 9yrs old

[GRIZZ64]

My kids are both involved in 4-H and show animals. They both started with pigs a few years back. This will be their third year of showing. Since the start we have added lambs and chickens to the mix. If lambs is what your daughter wants to show, start her off with a Southdown. They are a smaller breed and for the most part more doscile than a cross or one of the larger breed of sheep. Last year my daughter showed a medium wool cross that was 150lbs at our county fair. My daughter weighed 85lbs and the size difference created a problem for my daughter showing the lamb. She did well showing, but if we had it to do over again we would surely go the southdown route.

[DUCKORBLEED]

yeah start with broilers and rabbits and then towards high school,replacement hiefers and steers,make some money for college